Foster Care Training

This course explores the concept of toxic positivity and its impact on system-involved youth, families, and professionals in the child welfare field. Participants will learn to recognize and challenge the well-intentioned but harmful messages that invalidate authentic emotions, especially in the context of grief, trauma, and systemic challenges. Through interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and case-based learning, the course examines the cultural roots of toxic positivity and its unintended consequences on emotional growth and trust-building. Participants will gain practical tools to foster environments where youth and families feel safe expressing their full range of emotions without judgment or pressure to “look on the bright side.” The training also emphasizes professional self-awareness, equipping participants with strategies to balance hope and realism in their work, fostering resilience in themselves and those they serve.